Project Linus blankets children with comfort

The adored character Linus from the Peanuts cartoon is known for seeking comfort in his little blanket, and one woman is helping to bring that same comfort to local children.

Project Linus is a national organization helping seriously ill or traumatized children by providing handmade blankets, and Suzanne Zajewski has brought the blankets to St. Johns County.

"It's a source of comfort kids can wrap up in (blankets) and not let go," said Zajewski.

Zajewski wanted to help in some way after the September 11 terrorist attacks, and while searching on the Internet she found Project Linus, named after the Peanuts character.

"In the aftermath of 9-11 I was wondering what I could do to help someone else. I sew a lot and I stay at home, so I found Project Linus," she said.

Zajewski sent blankets for the children of lost firemen, and then began a local chapter of Project Linus.

Since then she has given out 77 blankets total to children in places such as the Betty Griffin House, Youth Crisis Center, Project H.O.P.E., the St. Gerard House, and to other individual cases.

"If something catches my eye I'll send a blanket. We cover kids from premies to 20 year olds with cancer," she said.

Zajewski says having been through sickness herself as a child this organization is close to home for her.

"I was a sick child when I was little and I know the feeling of going to a hospital and not seeing Mommy and Daddy and it can be hard on a kid," she said. "Now I'm trying to give something back."

Zajewski says the security a blanket possesses can set a child at ease.

"I remember having a quilt when I was little. It was my special blanket. I never went to sleep without it," said Zajewski. "It's a tangible source of comfort."

Zajewski dedicates all her time to Project Linus, and is looking for a few helping hands.

"I am desparately in need of donations and volunteers. It doesn't have to be a monetary donation. We need fabric and sewing supplies," said Zajewski. "Volunteer power would be wonderful-even if you're older and in a nursing home. Anyone can do it. If you can tie two pieces of fabric together you can make a blanket."

There are nearly 300 chapters of Project Linus, and 550,000 blankets have been delivered worldwide. For more information on Project Linus contact Suzanne Zajewski at 797-7940.